Category Archives: Spas

Attention globe-trotting spa-seekers, Asia’s leading spa operator, Banyan Tree Spa, just announced the launch of the Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai On The Bund, located in Shanghai’s first all river view hotel. The three-story facility is located on Shanghai’s iconic Bund district close to both historic landmarks and the new cultural and commercial centers of the cosmopolitan city. It has 11 exquisitely appointed treatment rooms including two Imperial Rooms with a Rainmist facility or Thai Massage area along with a beauty salon, nail bar and Banyan Tree Gallery.

Embracing the local culture and traditional Chinese healing philosophy, Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai On the Bund’s colorful design concept is inspired by the Five Elements – Gold, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. The Spa’s contemporary design showcases a combination of sleek lines with traditional materials to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. An elegant reception area features a clear glass panel embedded with grey textured patterns while a beige sofa and silk floral-motif throw cushions are just a few of the comforting touches.

Signature Spa Treatments

The destination-inspired Banyan Indulgences feature holistic signature treatments for total renewal. The 150-minute signature package, Banyan Hot Stones, is a harmonizing treatment where heated stones are soothingly massaged over the body along with the use of warm Clarity Oil to exert warmth and pressure on energy points for smoother flow of “qi” and the discharge of toxins. The treatment concludes with a Rose Body Scrub, Chrysanthemum Body Conditioner and Rose Bath to leave the skin nourished and soft.

Blissful experiences include a selection of popular therapies reflecting the Five Elements – Gold for Purifying, Wood for Renewal, Water for Relaxing, Fire for Revitalizer and Earth for Balance. Five Elements oils are created for each specific treatment. Guests may discover the healing powers of Chinese herbs and indigenous ingredients in body scrubs which harness the benefits of Pu’er tea leaves, Pearl, Chrysanthemum and Ginseng.

A day at the spa is the perfect panacea for aching feet after a day of roaming the sites of sizzling Shanghai. You can relax with a massage, body scrub, facial, hand and foot treatment, and just chill out. The Spa is open to both hotel guests and visitors daily from 10am to 11pm. For more information or reservations, please contact +86 21 2509 1188, email spa-shanghaionthebund@banyantree.com or visit banyantreespa.com.

About Banyan Tree Spa

The leading Asian spa operator and pioneer of the tropical garden spa, Banyan Tree Spa first opened in 1994 in Phuket, Thailand. As the first luxury oriental spa in Asia, it re-introduced an exotic blend of time-honored Asian healing therapies and beauty remedies.

Like the tropical and sacred tree that inspired its name, Banyan Tree Spa offers guests a Sanctuary for the Senses – a haven for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. Its spa philosophy focuses on a non-clinical and holistic ‘high-touch, low-tech’ approach that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural herbs and spices. Sensing the moment, Angsana Spa complements Banyan Tree Spa with its contemporary chic and vivacious treatments. Inspiring guests to live life spontaneously and savor time, its refreshing blend of treatments emphasizes on the use of native flowers and fruits. Banyan Tree Spa owns and manages a total of approximately 70 Spas in close to 30 countries under the Banyan Tree Spa, Angsana Spa and Elements Spa By Banyan Tree brands.

Golden Door Spa, where the Diva and her husband Richard go to shape up, tone and atone and up our body awareness, was fittingly named one of the Top 10 A-List Bikini Boot Camps by Shape Magazine.Whiel I wouldn’t call it a “boot camp”, hey magazines like to play with words, as do I, I would whole heartedly agree it’s the best in the world. I have gone through the all-inclusive week-long with women of all walks of life, from Hollywood starlets to Greek heiresses, and regular career girls.

The Door is open as a woman only facility for most of the year with the exception of four or five coed and men’s weeks (depends). For the last four years the Diva has been doing coed week with her man and loves it.

The zen-like Japanese style facility is so spiritual and beautiful that you unwind the minute you walk across a little foot bridge from the parking lot to the lobby. From there it’s euphoria albeit mixed with rigorous mountain hikes, aerobics, spinning, Pilates, Yoga, assorted dance classes including Zumba and several other ways to get your heart pumping and your fat down. Of course you don’t have do anything either, you can simply lounge around enjoy the primordial pampering which is generously proffered every day and including in the $7000 tab (which is sometimes on sale for $6600).

Diva and her man at the Golden Door Coed week, June 10, 2012 a the Golden Door (www.goldendoor.com) in Escondido, California was one of the best weeks of our lives. Great mind,body, spirit balancing combined with healthy food,

Lamb that’s good for you served Saturday night

beaucoup pampering and great guests who bonded for the seven days (and some beyond).

Wendy gives a nutrition lecture

There’s nothing like this spa that leaves you glowing and tingling from head to toe, not to mentioned toned, trimmed, fit and fabulous.

Diane Allan, my fitness guide, shows how to use the equipment in the gym

Kaya Kalp Spa sounds so swank, so salubrius, so right for a Diva–yet so far away. Set on 35 acres of lush gardens not too farfrom India’s Taj Mahal–yet many air hours away from America–visiting this 90,000 square foot royal pamper palace is no easy chore.

But from the looks of it, it just might be worth grabbing a $4, 445 Business Class ticket on Emirates Airline (www.emirates.com) –which of course is the Diva’s preferred mode of transportation.

Anyhow this place rocks . Set in a ITC Mughal Hotel where 42 outrageously opulent suites house an upscale clientele, the spa speaks of nature, ancient rituals, penultimate indulgence.

And if you can get there, they’re offering quite a deal:

The Luxury Spa Getaway

A Visit to Kaya Kalp may be considered a journey through a world of regal luxury and pampering.

This Spa experience, spread across more than 99,000 square feet, offers guests traditional therapies based on ancient customs in regal surroundings. This is where Mughal opulence comes together with meaningful experiences for the soul. This magnificent oasis of tranquility follows Mughal tradition in its extensive use of greenery and water, both important elements in gardens laid out by the Mughal Dynasty. It was Babar, the first Mughal Emperor, who brought into India his concept of gardens. With running water channels, fountains, fragrant flowers and fruit bearing trees, these were areas meant to be lived in – lulled by the soothing sound of running water, the fragrance of blossoming fruit trees and birdsong – often referred to as the ‘Gardens of Paradise’

At the Kaya Kalp, all these aspects have come together in a close synthesis between indoor and outer spaces. Many traditional influences of Mughal landscaping and architecture can be seen here – running water, fountains and outdoor rain water showers, courts full of greenery open to the skies and interiors embellished with stone latticework, mother of pearl, inlay and mirror work.

The Pomegranate Theme

In honor of Mughal Emperor Babar, the pomegranate fruit has been adapted as the theme (liet motif) of this very regal spa. It is widely believed that Babar, was responsible for bringing in a wide variety of fruit including the ‘pomegranate’ to India, across the Himalayas from his home land, Ferghana.

At Kaya Kalp, a ruby red pomegranate trellis is dramatically used along the wall and the ceiling. The same motif is repeated in the white terrazzo flooring inlaid with red engineered stone – stretching diagonally across the floor in a dramatic design concept.

The Therapy

A visit to the spa may be considered a journey through a world of luxury and pampering – the fabled India that travelers from across the seas, wrote about in their memoirs. In this regal lifestyle, Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa captures the spiritual and medicinal legacies of the Mughal Dynasty. For instance, Babar’s legacy of fruit is highlighted through a luxurious ‘Pomegranate Aromasoul Massage’, which serves to detoxify, revitalize and elevate the senses. The ‘Pomegranate Ritual Scrub’, followed by the ‘Pomegranate Infusion Bath’, may be considered the ultimate in relaxation therapies – within a private garden atmosphere while sipping a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate elixir.

Therapists at the Spa are trained to reach out through their expert hands, to bring guests the healing qualities of some of the world’s most precious stones and metals. These include the exotic ‘Illuminating Pearl and Gem Stone Facial’ and the ‘Chakra Balancing Gem Stone Massage’. Eight exquisitely designed luxury treatment suites, offer well-known therapies from across the world. ‘The Royal Mughal Hamam’, is the first luxury hamam in India and recreates the mood of the royal hamams of the Mughal Dynasty.

Other known spa therapies include the popular ‘Thai Massage’, the ‘Monticelli Mud Wrap’ and the ‘Mung Bean Soap Massage’. There is also a special suite set aside for India’s very own ‘Ayurvedic ‘ therapies, which include guidance in yoga, Shirodhara, Abhyanga and the famous hot Herbal Poultice Massage.

The Hair and Nail Spa, is a world of pampered luxury, equipped with the latest state of the art treatments, while the Water Therapy Room offers the essentials of all spas – steam, whirlpool and sauna.

The Mughal mood is heightened at the open-air 25 – metre lap pool, surrounded by relaxation areas. Set within a garden of fruit-bearing trees, lush green lawns and flowers, this is where specialty poolside treatments are offered. Refreshments and snacks are also served here, through a special menu consisting of unique recipes in keeping with the mood of the spa. n

India was one of only 12 countries worldwide to win the first Aga Khan Award, instituted in 1980. ITC Mughal was singled out for the award for “successfully achieving consistency with historical context.” The award’s committee described the hotel as “an expression of the culture and rich architectural tradition of the region with an entirely contemporary vocabulary of forms.”

With the addition of the Spa, a whole new dimension has been added to the hotel’s architecture, which was inspired by the use of space in Mughal Architecture, as seen at ‘Fatehpur Sikri’, the abandoned city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In keeping with the hotel’s ambience the new spa, adds to the Mughal mood, through close attention to detailing while maintaining its contemporary idiom.

The Diva samples a new treatment from Terranea Spa (one of the spa sponsors), it felt so good

Sheila Cluff, owner/founder The Oaks at Ojai, promotes new menu and cutting edge treatments offered at her spa.Sheila showed her chef’s yummy, 52.6 calorie dessert, a divine chocolate mousse made with tofu. The Oaks at Oaji, www.oaksspa.com.

Mii Amo at Enchantment, a destination spa in Sedona Boynton Canyon, gave out this little sampler, along with information on its new “Journeys”: Healthy Body Balance, Rites of Passage and Mii amo Master.

The Huntingon Spa at the Langham Huntingon formerly a Ritz Carlton (where I’ve spa-ed happily in the past), talked about the spa’s facelift and the Chaun Body + Soul philosophy that incorporates traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and cupping) for a holistical experience. www.thehuntingtonspa.com.

Until last night I was unfamiliar with Kohler Waters Spa.I’d heard of the company but dnot the spa which is actually 10 years old and focuses on, you guess it, water treatments that cleanse the mind and body. www.destinationkohler.com.

One healthy getaway I am very familiar with, The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, touted the variety of natural therapies gleaned from resources of near by Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve (which we checked out and hiked through on our last visit). This is one fab spa with top notch treatments. www.thegranddelmar.com.

And the host hotel, Montage, escorted guests to their spiffy spa for a salubrious hand, exfoliation treatment.

Monday April 20 at home…
Slowly making my re-entry into the real world. It’s not easy. I did get up and hiked, but not as early, more like 8AM, and I exercised and swam–so the Door’s still with me. But I had lots of catch up on email, snail mail, work, husband etc.

I still keep the Golden Door Glow, I feel rejuvenated, lighter, tighter, toned and wonderful. It’s just an incomparable week, and did I tell you the tab is all inclusive unless you want tennis lessons or after hours treatments. They even provide a full wardrobe of workout wear as well as kimonos that you can wear to dinner, robes, slippers, toiletries and hats, jackets, windbreakers and gloves for cold mornings. Transportation from San Diego airport’s also included. And of course they feed you three spa meals daily, snacks, beverages, and extra portions or snacks on request.Saturday April 18 All Good Things Come to an End and so I leave the Golden Door via Amtrak’s Surfliner from Oceanside to Los Angeles.
Do come back for a complete wrap-up of my week and what I got out of it.Friday April 17 Pretty much repeat of yesterday with hike, b’fast (waffles and chicken sausage), stretch, Gentle Yoga, personal training session with Brett, makeup (pic posted soon) and now off to lunch by the pool, it warmed up here…come back later for updates. Lunch was great as usual, fresh salmon salad and a cookie for dessert. Rest of day exhausting: makeup, scalp treatment, herbal wrap, massage, dinner (fresh salmon again, but I had a choice and chose it, really delicious finished with a flaky, yummy banana, apple strudel.

Did the 5 mile mountain hike followed by a session in the steam bath and hot tub. Then back to room for breakfast in bed: Mexican-style scrambled eggs in a whole wheat tortilla, fruit (melon, that alas wasn’t ripe enough, unusual for here), coffee. Then off to see Brett, my main fitness squeeze who sets me straight with weights and then stretches me out real good…

Brett sets gym up for cardio-boxing class….

Okay left Brett and came to PC to update you on my progress. Feeling good today, having a friend join me for lunch today. Marta, the maitre d’ of the kitchen whose been here forever and is fantastic at her job–which entails sometimes putting up with primo-divas (I’m not one of those). Anyhow Marta’s setting Glenn and I up by the Koi pond with today’s special: Bento boxes. Okay here’s Glenn obviously enjoying his Bento Box lunch. Glenn said his friends were concerned he wouldn’t get enough to eat and should eat before coming. Chef Dean showed them, Glenn didn’t even finish, nor did I. But we did have room for the Door’s delicious cookies–yep you get cookies.That’s the Koi pond. I hated to see Glenn leave but hey I had a body scrub scheduled and I don’t miss treatments even for best friends. And glad I didn’t. Carolyn, a striking, blonde-haired Irish export was fantastic as she massaged/scrubbed and oiled my weary body.

After the scrub it was time for my pedicure with ace manicurist Teresa, a Viet Namese export who ends her treatment with a fabulous foot reflexology massage. And then it was off to my room for my 5 PM rub by CJ, alas it would be my last from this cool dude as he gets Friday and Saturday off and is replaced by Eric, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of being massaged from. That’s grammatically incorrect, but geez this is a blog.

Dinner followed: salad and fresh fish (forgot what variety, but it was delicious)and corn meal cake that was quite tasty. After the ritual walk to the gate there was a woman who gave hand writing analysis, I skipped it. Not because of lack of interest but I wanted to write this journal which I hope you’re enjoying.

Day 4 At the Golden Door in Escondido, California

Wednesday, Tax Day and I’m plotzed, in spa speak it’s called ‘hump’ day. Actually slept in and skipped the hike, which although I love this activity, my body said “no.” But this is the Golden Door and you are on your own to go with your personal flow, which I’m doing. See below for full account….

Diane Allan and Suzie Fernandez teach classes at the Golden Door

I’m back at the Golden Door in Escondido, California. It’s been a year since my last visit and I was jonesing for some chic r and r and I’m getting it.

Arrived the afternoon of Easter Sunday via Amtrak Surfliner from Los Angeles. I sat in a cushy seat in Business Class, made cell phone calls, read, listened to my Mp3 Player, chatted with the hostess, a lovely Afro-American women with great wit and style. She served pax complimentary wine, water, soda and there was also coffee, tea and snacks, but I didn’t bend to temptation as I was en route to a salubrious week.

The Door’s driver picked me in Oceanside for the short ride to the beautiful bronze gates that enter me into a transcendental world far from reality.

I checked into my Japanese-honjin Inn style room, slipped into a kimono and met the other 17 female guests for dinner–gourmet spa cuisine of salad, fish and yummy guilt-free Key Lime dessert. The Door usually takes 40 people weekly but this being a holiday and a recession (it’s pricey)….

Day 2 (Monday)

up at 5:30 for 6:45 mountain hike (5 miles), back to room for breakfast in bed (aah), but not for long, up and at ’em for back and stretch class, Aerobics, Pilates, lunch, hike (1 1/2 miles), facial, steam, herbal wrap, massage and dinner–a spa cuisine masterpiece by chef Dean. We started with a perfectly seasoned salad with ingredients from the Door’s organic garden and moved on to chicken roulade which was so good it was hard to believe it was low-cal, low-salt, and finally a cannoli, yes they serve dessert and it was divine. After dinner we walk to the gates that open to the real world, but we keep it closed, reality doesn’t exist here. Then a lecture on
how to get the most out of your workout and nutrition but sorry to say opted to go to the steam bath and then read my Robert Parker Spenser Novel in bed.

Day 3 (Tuesday)
Another glorious day at the Golden Door. Slept well and off to the 5 mile mountain, followed by a session in the hot tub , quick steam and breakfast in bed. Yummy cheese toast this morning with fresh strawberries from the Door’s organic garden. Then off to Stretch class, ooooh, felt good and a wild and wacky Boomer’s Aerobics taught by Diane (seen above) to the music of the 60s – 80s. Cool. Then did my own thing (dyot) which including lots of Facebooking and Twittering.

Meet my personal trainer at Noon, Brett, he’s the best, had him last year, or he had me, does great stretch out, which I need after all the exercise I’m doing here.
My wonderful workout with Bret was followed by a fab facial from Ashton. You have choices here and I opted for full cleansing treatment. Divine.

I followed with a session in the Steam to prepare my muscles for a massage from CJ, a cool surfer/biker dude who gives a mean, deep rub that turns me into rubber. Feeling lazy, I decided to have dinner served in my room–another great Golden Door amenity.
Read in bed until sleep came, which actually wasn’t realized soon enough which is why onDay 4

I slept in and missed the hike. After my oatmeal breakfast in bed I took the Stretch class, it helped. Then I went to the Samurai gym for short sessions on the treadmill and elliptical before meeting up with my PT Brett. My bad, body wouldn’t respond, so he had no alternative but to stretch me out real good.
This was followed by more steam, herbal wrap, more steam, relaxing. I figure it being Wednesday and Tax Day I’d really let myself go into a transcendental state of bliss. It works well here. It is such a beautiful, bucolic setting set in a little valley surrounded by mountains, with lots of lush foliage, orange and avocado trees and of course that organic garden.
Well it’s nearly lunch time. It’s cold out today so no dining by the pool, decided to feast in my room. Wish you were here.

For rates and info go to http://www.goldendoor.com/, there are special weeks and min-weeks offered throughout the year, keep in mind it’s an all-inclusive rate.

I have worked out in health clubs, gyms and exercise studios throughout LA, but none compare to the offering at the SportsClubLA (www.thesportsclubla.com)– it’s simply the best when it comes to equipment, classes, style, cleanliness, friendliness, professionalism and bang for your buck.

It may cost more, but it’s worth it.

There are two locations in LA, one on Sepulveda Blvd. in West LA and one in Beverly Hills on Camden Drive near Wilshire. The latter location is a mini version of the Sepulveda flagship, but still more than adequate with its array of equipment, classes, workout areas, steam rooms and spa.

That’s the Diva at Morgan’s at La Quinta Resort &Spa holding up a new, spiffy backpack purse her husband gave her for her birthday. It was just one of many treats.

Seems like going to the Desert for my birthday has become a tradition. Last year I spent it with Richard (herefore mentioned husband) at Morongo. And that was great,too.Breakfast on the balcony.

La Quinta sets off a magical charm when you enter the Spanish-style lobby to register, everybody’s so nice, the atmosphere so relaxed and you feel more like you out of the country than just a 2 hour drive away from Los Angeles.That’s a view from the Freeway.

I’ll give you a few highlights:(The decades old resort has nearly 800 guest rooms of various sizes and shapes, all with flat screens, fireplaces, some balconies,some patios, some private pools and Jacuzzis, all charming and comfortable and priced from $199 in season to a $5,000 for the top suite).

What’s to Like:

Bedding down in our Starlight Casita (the maids made a specialwelcome swan out of towels) with a balcony providing magical mountain views and privacy for relaxing or enjoying room service breakfast. Great fritatas and perfect scrambled eggs.

Dinner in Twenty6 (delicious salmon), massage (Jeremy went deep) and steam at the charming, 23,000 square foot Spa; working out in the Diva-approved fitness center (has all the right stuff).

Swimming in the clean, warm pool that’s just a few steps down stairs from our bedroom. Took a photo but it got deleted, bummer. But trust me, the pools are great.

Dislikes: the $27 resort fee; the $25 entry fee for the Spa if you’re not getting a treatment; the chintzy towels provided in the room for use at the pool. Need big,fluffy ones.

Factoids: Once a maven for movie stars and moguls from Frank Capra to Greta Garbo, La Quinta Resort & Spa provides the perfect escape from LA, or out of town. You can fly into Palm Springs Regional Airport, to LAX or drive (go to www.google.com for map from your area).

The Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs is featuring favorite cocktails of Ol’ Blue Eye’s and his pack beginning on the 14th of March.

Little known fact: Frank Sinatra signaled the start of cocktail hour by raising a flag pole, situated between two palms on his Palm Springs Estate. Once the flag was up the rat pack knew it was time to party.

In honor the Ol’ Blue Eyes’ ritual, the Rivieria Resort & Spa, in Palm Springs, continues the tradition with daily happy hour specials at the Bikini Bar with innovative cocktails along with a class Jack Daniel’s cocktail. The hotel is also ringing in the tippling hour with Sunday specials at sidebar and live entertainment from the Art of Sax on Sundays, with mixologists concocting adult drinks like the Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Cherry Polka Dot Bikini (Grey Goose, Le Citron Vodka, Bacardi Cherry rum and lemonade. Also on the menu. The Candy Man, Sammy Davis Jr’s favorite Rum Daiquiri (Bacardi blended with mango, strawberry, peach or lime; and Sinatra’s favorite Jack Daniel’s Single
Barrel Whiskey cut with water over ice, poured in an old-fashioned glass.

As happens each year at this time, the Montage Beverly Hills is spreding the proverbial red carpet for celebrity out-of-towners who stay there during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

Of course ordinary mortals who happen to be caught up in the cross hairs, and are lucky enough to score a room there during Hollywood’s biggest, most hyped, ginormous week, can also enjoy such luxuries as: Services of the “Bow Tie Butler” who does exactly what it sounds like, helps gentlemen tie their ties. Everyone gets personalized note cards; a monogrammed director’s chair in their room to use while preening; and to relieve stress, the spa’s open longer for facials, massages and body pampering (at additional fees). FYI: I’ve had, hands-on, some of the best facials and massages at this facility.

The spa is gorgeous and the treatment menu creative with salubrious selections such as:

“Essential Waters” — that starts with hydrotherapy bath infused with essential oils of neroli, bergamot and sandalwood coupled with underwater massage serves as the relaxing prelude to a soothing, long stroke, warm-oil massage, ending with exfoliation and a revitalizing Vichy rain shower. “Montage Anti-aging Facial” — that combines an antioxidant serum with a firming and contouring facial massage and a marine mask to firm and lift. “Body sculpting” –Mineral-enriched mud is combined with a contouring and lifting connective tissue massage, followed by a cool mud compress, to encourage the removal of cellular wastes and improve the skin’s appearance. ·

Seamstresses and laundresses trained in the care of fine fabrics are in-house to attend to any last-minute alterations or garment pressing requirements.

· Hair styling and coloring appointments are available at the onsite Kim Vo Salon and the in-house barber shop, Gornik & Drucker, who have been ministering to the famous and infamous since 1936.